June Catchup

June marked a big month in our house as Greg graduated from middle school and Casey graduated from high school. Let me back up one day and say that I had knee surgery on Thursday, the day before graduations, to remove a cyst from my knee. Of course things did not go as smoothly as possible as I aspirated something during the surgery and they wanted to keep me overnight in the hospital to check so that I don't get pneumonia. After 2 chest xrays, they finally let me go home even though I spent the entire day in the hospital.


Greg's graduation ceremony was at 9:30 a.m. and we enjoyed the ceremony. Greg got the Honors Geometry award for excellence. Christi was able to attend his promotion ceremony and hung out with us at the house afterwards. I got a little teary-eyed at Greg's ceremony as it hit me that he would be a high school student. After the ceremony, we went home and did some preparations for the after graduation ice cream party. Christi was a big help and it was so nice to just sit there and gab with her. She is such an important part of our family. Larry and Mark had gone to the Philadlephia A's historical society and out to lunch.


Casey's ceremony started at 7:30 p.m. and Larry and I had front row seats. The ceremony was fantastic and the school did a great job honoring each student. Casey's valdictorian speech was wonderful and she got applause during and after the speech. She was so polished standing up there. One of her teachers commented that "she taught her everything she knew" which Dani Buckman overheard and laughed about. Both Dani and Christi were able to attend the ceremony, as well as Chad. We were happy to have such special people join us. We had a "dessert party" after the ceremony which was well attended.

I was pretty wiped out, but the weekend celebrations were far from over. On Saturday, Casey and I went to Christi's baby shower at Dani's house. Their mom Geri was there and it was fun to see them. After that, Casey and I went to Casey II's graduation party. The boys went to the Phillies game that day. Boy was I ever tired after a busy 3 days. On Sunday, after Mark left, I basically crashed.

Greg celebrated his 14th birthday on June 20 and we had presents and cake and dinner out the next day. Greg was attending sportsbroadcasting camp all week at Villanova and having a great time. Hard to believe Greg is 14 and a freshman in high school. He gets taller every week and is handsome as ever. He is a great guy and has handled following in Casey's footsteps just wonderfully. He is going to go far in life because of his personality.

We had company from Maine - Reed, Erica, Tommy and Gracie.

They basically just used our house as a hotel, as they had other plans, but that was fine with us as it was just nice to see them. Greg and Tommy hit it off perfectly - 2 boys, lots of baseball cards, baseball games, and baseball talk. Gracie is still as cute as ever and it was nice to really talk to Erica and Reed. We met them again in Reading after they had left our house. We had gone out there on a rainy Sunday to stock up on clothing. We actuallly ran into them twice!



Finally we took a trip to the Jersey shore. The Flowers loaned us their beach condo in Ocean City and we spent the day on the beach and boardwalk. It was fun watching the kids ride the rides again after a 5 year absence from the Jersey shore. We ate pizza on the boardwalk and bought saltwater taffy and fudge. We all agreed, though, that we prefer the South Carolina beaches and trips. Just seems to be a different class of people.

Also, in June, my brother John celebrated his 50th birthday. I hope he is taking stock of where he is and what he wants to accomplish. I wish him well. I hope to see him on his trip back East.

A Busy Week in June

What a good week last week was. It started on Sunday when Larry and Greg went to tennis and then to Philadelphia to stay overnight for the 24 tournament the next day. This is a tradition with Greg and he wanted to do this for his last 24 tournament. They had a nice day and Casey and I went shopping and had pizza for dinner so we had a nice day too. Early the next morning, Casey drove me to the train station before school so that I could catch the train to Philadelphia to see the 24 tournament. I got there just as the tournament was beginning. Greg was in his lucky Scott Rolen jersey and ready to defend his championship from last year.


Larry and I watched as he went through the first round - it looked like he had really good competitors and it wasn't until we saw him counting his cards that we noticed that he had 2 and 3 dot cards which gave him enough points to win the round. On to the second round and he blew the competition away achieving 61 points. He was a silver medalist after 2 rounds. Next up the silver medalists (8 in all) were set up at 2 tables. Greg again won his table and received the gold medal. Larry and I were so proud of him and surprised at his success because he really didn't put much time into it this year as he wasn't sure he was going to compete again. We couldn't see him at the gold medal table as he was way across the room. Robert Sun, creator of the game, proctored the Platinum table. When the championship round was complete we watched Greg's face for some reaction. None was forthcoming so we just assumed that he was not successful. Boy were we wrong! Larry and I were standing there when they announced that the Platinum champion was a repeat winner. WOW - he did it. He repeated as Math24 Platinum Masters Champ. He was given a hard time when he went up to receive his trophy because he was wearing his Rolen jersey. They plastered a 24 t-shirt over his jersey for the pictures. Once again, we celebrated his success with a trip to Dave and Busters. What an amazing kid he is.

Casey had an awesome week too. The week before she had finally finished her graduation project with her demonstration of aikido moves. Katie C. helped her with the demonstration. She ended up with a 98 on the project which is fantastic because she had to do this all on her own because of scheduling issues.

Wednesday was the high school awards ceremony and once again Casey received her fair share of them. She received a few academic awards - Gifted, Science, and Spanish, a citizenship award, and her National Merit $2500 award. She was also the first and very surprised recipient of the Hillman Family Scholarship award in honor of their father, Mr. Hillman, the physics teacher who is retiring after this school year. It was very emotional for Casey as she loved AP Physics and the class inspired her to consider engineering at Dartmouth. Mr. Hillman was very surprised as well.

This week is all about graduation. Both Casey and Greg graduate on Friday. Hard to believe that Casey will be heading off to college and Greg will be starting high school. Where did the time go?

Dog Days of Summer

This past Memorial Weekend has been a hot one. It makes me realize that the hot summer days are just around the corner. It's funny how I don't mind being stuck in the house during the winter when its very cold and snowy, but I do mind being stuck in the house when it is only hot outside. I look out the window and see all of the yardwork that still has to be done. In the winter, everything is dead and dormant and the yardwork doesn't really call to me. This morning, I trimmed the front shrubs and boy was it ever hot. I had Kitty on the lead in the front yard and now 2 hours later she is asleep on the living room floor - too hot to gather up much energy to even jump onto the sofa. My outdoor work for today is finished because the temperature will be over 90 today. With cooler weather planned for the rest of the week, the work that is calling to me today, will just have to wait until then.

Memorial Day Weekend Already

Hard to believe that the unofficial start of summer begins this weekend. Memorial Day came up pretty quickly this year. With it brings the end of the school year which I am not looking forward to as much this year. Usually, I love the start of summer, because schedules are very relaxed and I don't have to get up so early every morning. This year it is a different feeling because Casey is graduating from high school and I know that this is her last real summer at home as school will keep her pretty busy. Greg is graduating from 8th grade and will be busy during the summers with sports and other activities. I'm feeling pretty old these days.
The school year is winding down as we are busy going to activities at school. Greg had his last band concert the other day and because he isn't doing band in high school, it is probably the last time we see him on stage playing percussion. Greg's baseball season finished with 2 tough losses, but overall it was a very good year. He really liked the coach and enjoyed playing. Casey is finishing her senior projects and winding down her high school career. As we are finishing high school, she is getting inundated with materials from Dartmouth and things to fill out and return. She is getting excited about college and I'm so happy for her. A lot of her classmates are staying nearby, and while I would like to have Casey around all the time, it is good that she is wanting to stretch her wings.

Here's to summer - hope it's an exciting and productive one.

My First May Post?

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't posted since late April. Things have been busy, but not that busy. April ended with a bang - Casey had her photo shoot for the Best of the Class at Longwood Gardens. It was a beautiful day and I got a bunch of great photos. While she was doing the filming and interviews, I was happily walking around the beautiful gardens and sitting and reading a book. She got a day off from school and I got a trip to Longwood Gardens. A side note, I also went to a Barnes & Noble in Delaware and read the entire book "Where Women Create" while in the store. It highlights female artists' studios and gave me a lot of ideas. I will probably buy the book the next time.

Greg has been busy with school and baseball. His team is doing very well and Greg is having a great time. He plays first base and bats second in the lineup. It's nice to see him playing and not having pain in his shoulder. He will be doing a few baseball camps this summer and may go to Boston with a team in Trenton. They will play baseball, see the Redsox, and visit the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Last weekend, Greg won the Bucks County Math24 Platinum Masters Competition. He is the defending Greater Delaware Valley champ and he won by quite a large number. Next up is the Regional Competition at the Franklin Institute in June. Due to funding issues, there is no state tournament this year. It's a shame because Greg has been to the state competition the last 2 years (earning silver medals) and hoped to end his 24 competitions with a state gold medal. He was lucky in that he was able to compete in 24 while it was a big competition.
I wonder about the future of it as the company focuses more on the online competition (which Greg hates doing). We are amazed at what he has done in 24 - 5th grade (Bucks County champ), 6th grade (3rd place Bucks County, Silver and Gold medals at Regionals, Silver medal at States), 7th grade Platinum Level (2nd place Bucks County, Silver, Gold, and CHAMPION at Regionals, Silver medal at States), 8th grade Platinum level (Bucks County champ, ?). What an amazing kid he is.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day with Casey and Greg (Larry was in Illinois). I was showered with gifts and had dinner at Don Pablos - a perfect day. The school year is quickly coming to an end and with it Casey's high school career. I am feeling older and older every day and have to work at slowing down so as not to miss a thing. I'm proud of what Greg and Casey have accomplished and am excited for them as they move to the next phase of their life (Greg-on to high school, Casey-off to college). I can only hope that we have raised them well and given them a sense of who they are and what they can accomplish. We are truly blessed.

College Visitations Done - Decision to be Made

Eight days, three colleges, and now it is time for her decision. We left the Wednesday before Easter and drove to Providence, Rhode Island for our 2 day visit to Brown University. The drive was great considering it was evening and close to a holiday weekend. We made the trip to Providence in 5 1/2 hours including a longer than planned stop at Cracker Barrel. The entire next day was spent on the Brown campus doing tours, meeting with admissions staff, etc. The campus is pretty and right in Providence. Casey thought our tour guide was "hot". He had a great personality as well.

Next we were headed up to Maine for an Easter weekend with family. The drive was great and we stopped for lunch in Wells Maine at Billy's Chowder House. The view was incredible and made me feel so happy to be back in Maine. It only took us about 5 hours to get to Aunt Rina's house. We got settled in and visited for awhile. Then we headed out to dinner with Uncle Tony and Aunt Isabelle at the Chicken Coop - boy the memories of that place were very strong. We also stopped by to see Aunt Pauline after dinner (she worked at the Coop for 30 years tending bar). The entire weekend was spent visiting with family. At times it was overwhelming for Casey as she didn't grow up surrounded by so much family due to the fact that we lived far away from family. She did enjoy herself even it at times it seemed too much. Easter Sunday was spent at Kenny and Margaret's beautiful house in Belfast. The food was fantastic and the laughter abundant. I love being from a big family.

Early Monday morning we drove to Bowdoin for their accepted students program. Casey had pretty much decided that she wasn't going there so we didn't spend much time visiting the campus. We got in the car around 11 am and headed home to sleep in our own beds for 2 nights before heading to Dartmouth. It was a long drive but we got home around 8 pm. Two days later we were on the road again to Dartmouth and their accepted students Dimensions program. Casey stayed in the dorm and did activities with current students. I basically was on my own for the entire time. I walked all over the campus and took a lot of pictures.Once again we were heading home; the college visitations done. Now she has a decision to make. Bowdoin is out of the picture so we are left with Brown and Dartmouth. It is a big decision and I know that she is being very thoughtful about it.

I hope this trip is one that Casey will remember. I took lots of pictures and did journaling every night about what we did. I enjoyed the traveling with Casey and spending time with her. I hope that Larry gets to do this with Greg. I would like to do this trip with Greg too, but I don't want the next four years to pass too quickly. Life is just passing by way too fast and I want it to slow down some!!

It Snowed Today

April 8 and it snowed today. Not very much but snow all the same. We also had a freak snowstorm on Wednesday that lasted about 30 minutes. It sure is pretty when it snows on the blooming trees. The weather has been freaky lately and my sinuses have been feeling the effect. I love to see the forsythias all in bloom along the property line. They certainly stand out as you are coming up Street Road. My peas are starting to come along nicely. Maybe this weekend I will plant the lettuce seeds.

April is here and the college acceptances have been received. She is in at Middlebury, Smith, Bowdoin, Brown and Dartmouth. The decision is down to Bowdoin, Brown, and Dartmouth and after our trips to their accepted students programs, a decision should be made. I think it will end up being a tough decision for her and she may wait until the last moment. There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal this week talking about how hard the college application process was this year and how some of the top schools were even harder to get into this year. They specifically mentioned Brown and Dartmouth which made it even more impressive that Casey was accepted to both of them. What a credit to all the hard work she did; and the fact that she did it all on her own. When I read about people who have done this and that for their kids (made their Pine Run Derby cars, reviewed their college essays, helped submit information for scholarships), I am even more impressed with her because she did it all herself. We did not read her college essays or approve her college applications. We did not make her take SAT prep courses. We did not set up additional college interviews for her. We let her take control and responsibility and she didn't let us down. I am glad that we let our kids be responsible for their grades, activities, etc. Too many parents make excuses for their kids and take on their kids problems and desires. We have always been a presence in the kids' lives, but we let them take responsibility once we feel they can handle it. I am so proud of both of them.

Busy Busy Busy

Look who I got to spend time with last weekend --- Donna Downey. On Friday I took two classes that she taught at Memory Lane and had a blast. She is really a fun person to be around. I actually picked up a few tips from her and enjoyed the spark of creativity she provided. I met some really nice people and felt that I need to take more classes to provide more inspiration. I even signed up and attended the crop on Saturday night and boy was I glad that I did. I sat with some very nice girls that are part of the PA Scrappers group on yahoo. They were very welcoming and the time just flew by. I even accomplished putting many of the animal pic pages together for the animal scrapbooks.


I haven't actually done too much scrapbooking lately but the ideas are certainly swimming around in there. I started the 21 day challenge on Rhonna F. blog and did Day 1 (YEAH!). Days 2 and 3 await my creativity. I also signed up for another quarter of BPS with Donna Downey. Again, I started out strong and then stopped doing the assignments. I intend to change that right away. I do see a pattern of starting a lot of projects and then failing to complete them all the way. This isn't just in scrapbooking, but in other areas. That is something I really need to work on. Maybe that will be my bad habit that I break during the 21 day challenge.

This picture was taken by Donna when she was demonstrating how to lose 10 pounds in a photograph. This picture was taken from above and yes, it really made me look thinner. I have to remember this!!!


Spring is here and the weather has been warm and sunny. I am ready to get into the garden and start planting flowers and vegetables. Maybe this year the garden will be much bigger and more plentiful. The forsythias are just about ready to be in full bloom and this weekend our property should be lined in bright yellow.

Signs of Spring

Just a few signs of spring seen this morning. It is still pretty cold out and I am not sure if the peas I planted last week will make it. We haven't had a frost, but it has been cold here.

What I'm doing now!

It's been over a week and time to play a little catchup on what's new. Here in number format is what has been happening:

1. I am continuing my preparation for the A+ certification test which I hope to take by August. It's an awful lot of reading and memorizing and working with my fixer up computer, but I do enjoy it. I only wish the study guides where smaller and more portable. I have to say that I am really enjoying listening to the Harvard computer class on my iPod. It makes my long walks very interesting, especially when I get information that I can use. The only drawback is that I think I am boring my family to death when I start talking about computers. Oh well, it could be much worse.

2. I am looking forward to taking 2 classes and cropping with Donna Downey next weekend. I just love reading her blog and following her scrapbook journeys and creativity. I am nervous about cropping outside of my comfort zone but I think it will be fun just the same. I still am not feeling all that creative lately even though I continue to buy more scrapbooking stuff (especially the new Basic Grey). I just have to dive right in and start working on a new project and see where that takes me. I want to blame it on my setup in that it is hard to scrap at my desk, but that just isn't so when I see the spaces other people have. Anyways, I hope to get inspired with the upcoming events at Memory Lane and hope to do more posting and submitting of projects. I am still planning on going to the Creating Keepsakes convention in July.

3. While studying and scrapbooking, I always need to have something to watch on my laptop. Lately it has been the Sopranos. Love the show, love the characters, love the humor, hate that Adrianna got bumped off. I go through different phases, Gilmore Girls phase, 24 phase, Frasier phase, etc. Right now it is definitely the Soprano phase. I really enjoy the music that is a part of the show. They are in the sixth season now which is scheduled to be the last one. Too bad, as it is really a good show with excellent writing. If only JAG would come out on DVD, I would be a very happy camper.

4. Walking, walking, and more walking. Today I started my long walk (2 miles) without Kitty so that I could go at a faster pace. My legs were a little jelly-like when I got home, but well worth it. Hopefully, I will make this a daily habit as I really need to get on the stick and lose weight. Now that I know what the problem with my knee is (a cyst), and the resolution, I can begin to think about going back to karate. I really do miss it and how it made me feel (empowered, strong). Casey and I plan to go back in April. YEA!

5. I haven't done very much reading lately but did finish the book by A.J. Jacobs about his reading of the encyclopedia. It was very entertaining and Greg wants to read it this summer. I am also reading The Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Rosenthal and find it interesting. There has been scrapbooks classes done along this theme and I may try to do my own Encyclopedia of ME. I just picked up James Patterson's book The Jester and find it very true to his format (3 pages per chapter=easy and fast reading). I went to the library yesterday for the first time in awhile and picked out 4 books to read. Hopefully, I will get through all of them (especially the Sarah Vowell book).

6. Still working on the two websites for 2 non-profit groups. One is just beginning and the other is nearing completion. Hope they go over well.

Another quilt done this weekend

and Casey wants it. It was just a block of the month log cabin quilt, but she loved it. I will put a border on it and get it machine quilted and she will have it for college this fall. She will also get a Tshirt quilt eventually, but she is still wearing the tshirts that will go into the quilt. This picture is the flannel quilt I finished for the family room. It is made of all flannel fabrics that I purchased at a quilt store in the Adirondacks. It has a very outdoorsy them and Greg fell in love with it (it's pretty warm) and now it is on his bed. Larry keeps asking when he will get one. I'm pretty happy with how I have been finishing projects lately. After working for the last 7 years, it has been nice being home and getting other things accomplished. I have chicken stewing on the oven and homemade noodles drying for dinner. Greg and I threw a baseball around after school and I spent 2 hours outside with the dog. What a life!!!

I am becoming my parents

Just a few minutes ago, as I went downstairs to get more toilet paper for the bathroom, I realized, in looking at the 3 huge packs of toilet paper and large pack of paper towels, I am becoming my parents. This is a funny thing and not a bad thing because we used to laugh at how well stocked my parents were with paper products, in particular, paper towels. Upon entering the garage at Lucky Charm Drive, you would see many, many rolls of paper towels and packages of toilet paper all neatly lined up under my Dad's workbench area. Upon entering the house, you would find more paper towels and toilet paper in the basement, kitchen cabinets, and linen closet. We always joked about how they would never run out and they didn't. Anytime it was on sale, they stocked up. Even if I were with them and tell them they certainly didn't need anymore, they would buy some, always saying what a good deal it was.

As we were cleaning out the house in preparation for its sale, each of us kids went home with paper products. My parents had a wonderful sense of humor and loved the good-natured ribbing we gave them. How I wish they were still around so that we could laugh about the stock of paper goods they always had. As for me, I don't know what possessed me to buy another large package of toilet paper rolls when I had 2 here already, but as my Mom would say, "Don't worry, we'll use it - It was a good buy!" Miss you two so very much.

The Power of Friendships

Yesterday was a wonderful day filled with family and friends. I had lunch with my friend Cathy who I haven't seen since before the holidays. This is my scrapbook buddy and I plan to go to CK again this year with her. We chatted and caught up over lunch at Applebees.

Last night was dinner with the Buckman girls. Christi is visiting from Florida and Nikki and Dani both made plans to have dinner with us. These girls have been a part of our family for almost 17 years. They were our babysitters for years. It is wonderful to see the lovely young women they have become - all married and settled into life. Unfortunately, Casey had to make a presentation to the school board and had to leave early and Larry had to teach a class. However, Greg and I stayed all evening and had a lot of laughs with them. On the way home, Greg said to me that it is nice that they are part of our family and that they are like big sisters to him. What a warm feeling that gave me. I think that they will always be a part of each other's lives and full of fond memories. This is what friendship is all about.

Good Things Lately

It has been a very good long President's Day weekend. It started out last Wednesday when I picked Casey up from school for our New England college visit trip. She gets in the car and informs me that she was named National Merit Finalist and had the presentation and picture taking done that day. We had a feeling that she was a finalist but this made it official.

We drove all the way to Sarasota Springs, New York before we stopped for the night. After a nice relaxing dinner and walk around a mall we got a good night's sleep before heading to Middlebury College for an afternoon tour. Along the way we saw ice fisherman on the lake. That was an amazing site. We did the Middlebury tour and it was just okay, so on to Dartmouth the next day. We didn't have cell phone service at the hotel we were at so we headed into New Hampshire to have dinner and make calls. On the way there, Casey answered my phone and it was my brother Jim calling to inform me that Michelle had the baby that day - a little boy named Andrew James Gallant. We were so happy. I told Jim I would call him back when I stopped the car, but when I did he wasn't available. Anyways, we had dinner and called Larry and Greg but they weren't home. Back to the hotel to get some rest before heading to Dartmouth in the morning. The next morning, I asked Casey to call home and let them know that we were okay and about 15 minutes from Dartmouth. She is talking to Larry and then starts screaming. She had just found out that she was accepted at Dartmouth and the Dean of Admissions wrote her a letter to let her know that her application was exceptional and he could without a doubt tell her that she was being accepted into Dartmouth. Needless to say, the tour of Dartmouth was great and Casey truly felt that she could spend 4 years of school there. Getting accepted to Dartmouth, put Middlebury and Smith out of the picture.

From Hanover, we drove to Concord, MA for our tour of Harvard Saturday morning. Not too impressed with it and even if she is accepted, she will probably not go to Harvard. Casey, unfortunately, was not feeling well so we didn't go into the city on Saturday and headed home on Sunday, not visiting Brown. If she gets accepted to Brown, we will visit it then. She does have an interview with them.

So overall it was a great trip and nice to be back home with Larry and Greg and the critters. We enjoyed a very quite President's Day and now everyone is back to work and school (except me as I am still collecting unemployment).

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! Well maybe floating around my ankles or something. The kids and Larry loved the Valentine's cards I made for them. They were quite surprised that the animals let me do that to them. Larry brought me flowers yesterday for Valentine's Day - so sweet. Tonight for dinner, we are having roast chicken and gravy, green beans, asparagus and roasted potatoes. For dessert I made strawberry trifle which I have to say looks quite beautiful. I'm getting hungry just thinking about dinner.

Talked to Cathy Z. today and caught up on news. I guess we haven't had a good talk since Christmas. We have lunch plans for next Wednesday. Also did lots of errands today. I have to admit that I am enjoying this time off. Thank goodness for unemployment. Did check the want ads - nothing interesting to apply for. T

Tomorrow Casey and I leave for our college visits trip - Middlebury, Dartmouth, Harvard and Brown in 5 days. Hope the weather is kind to us as we travel throughout New England. I plan to do a lot of journaling in my planner and take lots of photos.


We are women hear us roar - Casey and I cleared the entire drive of snow. It took us about 3 hours to do the driveway and all the garage door areas. We were both sore the next day and I think I did more damage to my already painful knee. I even had to resort to taking the naproxen to reduce the inflammation. Doctor's appointment is on the 24th. Casey looked good using the snowblower. Hope she gets used to it as she plans to be in New England for the next 4 years!!!!

Snowy Saturday

The weather forecast for today is snow and lots of it. Between now and tomorrow, at last count, it was supposed to be 8-12 inches of snow. That's a lot of snow and guess what - I am the only one home. Larry and Greg had hockey tickets to see the Penguins play the Washington Capitals in D.C. They made plans to stay overnight tonite and come home tomorrow morning. They almost cancelled because of the weather but decided to leave really early today and get to D.C. before the snow started. They got to the hotel by noon, checked in and had the rest of the day before the game to have fun. Greg just called and said they went to the Spy Museum and the Smithsonian American History Museum. He sounds like he is having lots of fun. I'm glad they went even though I was a nervous wreck about them traveling in the snow. Tomorrow, they will probably wait until the roads are cleared before they start home.

Casey, meanwhile, is at Casey's house and they are waiting to see if Bridget (from NY) has to go home tonight or not. This will determine whether or not Casey is home tonight. I want her to have fun but I sure could use the help tomorrow in clearing the snow. I have pre-warned her that I can't get her until the driveway and roads are cleared. So, I may be on my own with the animals riding this winter storm out. Maybe I will put a fire in the fireplace, have a bowl of hot soup and enjoy the quite. I do miss the comfort of my family around me though.


I started making Valentine's cards today using these cute pics I took of the animals. I think they will be a hit with everybody (plus candy).



I am so excited because I get to take 2 classes with Donna Downey. She is coming to the scrapbook store in Quakertown and I signed up for the 2 Friday classes she is teaching. She inspires me in scrapbooking in so many ways. I am taking her online Big Picture class and am enjoying it quite a bit. My creative mojo has been missing lately because I have been dealing with losing my job. However, I think things will start to turn around soon. I found out that I get unemployment for 26 weeks for almost 3/4 of my salary. This will help me out as I continue to seek a new job. I am glad that I don't feel the pressure to go back to work immediately and can find a job that works with my schedule and my interests.

I have to start thinking about my summer plans - first our trip to Ireland and then coming home from that and going to CK Valley Forge. I hope Cathy Z. wants to stay overnight and take more classes. If she doesn't, I definitely will even if I have to go by myself. I am also going to try to work in a trip to Columbus to see Jim and Joe. Good thing I have the time to pursue all of these trips.

On Being Liberated

Liberated - that's what Casey has called my losing my job and in many ways that is really what it was. On Feb. 3 I lost my job due to "budgetary constraints". HA! I know that it wasn't the real reason but one that my boss could justify. It was just a shame that the 2 people who I thought were my friends turned out to be the ones who stabbed me in the back. They have to live with themselves not me. Those relationships are definitely done and over with.

I am truly enjoying my freedom. Larry has been wonderful throughout the whole thing. He has encouraged me to take time off and just enjoy my family and life and especially this last summer before Casey goes off to college. He said not to think about getting a job until next fall after the kids go back to school. The kids were great on Friday when they found out - they both gave me big hugs and told me that everything would be okay and it would be good to be away from the craziness of that place. Less than an hour after getting canned, I filed for unemployment. That will help somewhat until I can find a job that gave me the flexibility that I was used to.

So far in three short days, I have done some major cleaning, finished a quilt, studied 5 chapters for my A+ test and done some considerable thinking about my life. This is my chance to start again fresh and do something new. Sometimes it takes a shakeup or someone else forcing you to look anew at your life and what you are accomplishing. Work was a very poisonous atmosphere and I have to say that I am definitely a much happier person these days and I think everyone around me has noticed it as well. Believe me, Kitty is getting tired from all the walking that we are doing. However, it's good for my soul. I talked for over a hour with my brother and wish he would take some steps to changing his life. He needs it more than I do and its getting very important that he takes some positive steps in his life.

"You learn that for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance." These words mean a lot to me lately as I realize that anything I accomplish is through hard work and the belief that I can do it with God's help. My attitude towards life in general is changing and I realize that each day is a gift and a chance to do something good. I am also learning that it is not about what material items I have or accolades I have received, but embracing each day and making those around me glad to have me here.

Things will be changing in the next few months as I settle into my being home routine. It's been 7 years since I stayed home with the kids. I know it will be good for all of us and who knows what the future will bring in terms of employment for me, but I can be sure it is something that makes me happy.

The end of January

It is so hard to believe that January is almost over. The weather today was a balmy 60 degrees - pretty amazing for a January day in Pennsylvania. Work continues to drag on, but I am definitely getting a lot of studying done for my A+ exam. It is sort of nice not talking to people. I am out of the loop as to what's going on and it's so much better for my mental health.

We had breakfast for dinner tonight. Casey made pancakes based on the IHOP recipe, Greg made scrambled eggs, and I cooked bacon and heated up leftover potatoes. We added a bowl of grapes and the meal was complete. Larry even had a chance to eat before he left for school. It was a nice dinner together after everyone spent the afternoon outside (Larry and the kids played tennis and I took Kitty for an hour and a half walk).

I have been keeping up with my scrapbooking projects. I did the 4 layouts for the January DW2006 challenge and I have been keeping up with the Donna Downey class. I made a trip to the lss last week and spent about $50 on some cool stuff. I found out that Donna Downey is coming to the store and I am so excited. I hope to take a few classes with her. The store is also having a Design Team contest which I am considering entering. It would be fun to be on that design team because I would get new products all the time. We shall see!!!!

Words that are ringing with me now

I found this on the blog of Chris Jenkins, a scrapbooker whose blog I read from time to time. I have already read it 3 times and each time something new jumps out at me. I have put this in my planner with the words "Read this weekly" written across the top. I added it to my blog so that I will always have it.

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst
of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and
somewhere the voice inside your head cries out--ENOUGH! --Enough
fighting and crying and struggling to hold on.

And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, you shudder once
or twice; you blink back your tears and begin to realize it's time to
look at the world with new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize
it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change...or for
happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon.

You come to terms with the fact that in the real world there aren't
always fairy tale endings. (Or beginnings for that matter) And that any
guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the
process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone
will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are, and
that's OK. They are entitled to their own opinions. And you learn the
importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a
sense of new found confidence is born in self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to
you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can
really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always
say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will
always be there for you and that it's not always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own and take care of yourself. And in the
process, a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You
stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they
are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties...and in the
process a sense of peace and contentment are born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around
you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been
ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the junk
you have been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how
much you should weigh, what you wear, and what you should do for a
living, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising
children, and what you owe your parents, family and friends.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You
learn the difference between wanting and needing and you discard what
you don't need. In the process you learn to go with your instincts. You
learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. You learn that
principles such as honesty and integrity are not outdated ideals of a
bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which
you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the
world and that you cannot teach a pig to sing...You learn to distinguish
between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting
boundaries and learning to say NO! And know when enough is enough! You
learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry.

Then you learn about love; How to love, how much to give in love, when
to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn to look at relationships
as they really are not as you would have them to be. You stop trying to
control people, situations and Outcomes. AND YOU LEARN THAT ALONE DOES
NOT MEAN LONELY.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside; smoothing
things over and ignoring your needs...You learn that feelings of
entitlement are perfectly OK! And that it is your right to need things
and to ask for things that you need...and that sometimes it is necessary
to make demands. You come to the realization that YOU DESERVE TO BE
TREATED WITH LOVE, KINDNESS, SENSITIVITY, AND RESPECT AND YOU WON'T
SETTLE FOR LESS!

And you learn that your body is really your temple. And you begin to
treat it with respect. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and
uncertainty and so you take more time to rest and eat right. And, just
as food fuels the body, laughter fuels the soul. So you take more time
to laugh and play.

You learn that for the most part, you get in life what you believe you
deserve...and that much of life truly is a self fulfilling prophecy. You
learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that
wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making
it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success
you need direction, discipline and perseverance.

You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to
risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is
the greatest robber baron of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right
into and through your fears, because you know that whatever happens you
can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live
life on your own terms!

And you learn to fight for your life and not squander it living under a
cloud of impending doom. You learn life is not always fair. You don't
always get what you think you deserve, and that sometimes bad things
happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to
personalize things. You learn that GOD isn't punishing you or failing to
answer your prayers. It's just life happening.

You learn to deal with evil in its most primal state--the ego-. You
learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be
understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and
poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are
wrong, and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn the importance
of saying "I'm sorry."

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple
things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the
earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a
soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take
responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise
to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your
heart's desire.

And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the
wind. And you walk slowly through a rain storm. And you make it a point
to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful
possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart, and GOD by your side
you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the
life you want to live as best you can. And keep the faith and hope alive
for love to enter your heart.

A Short Week This Week - Yeah!

This was the week 2 assignment for the Big Picture Scrapbooking class. It is very similar to DD's but that's okay. I'm not ready yet to strike out on my own too much yet and I really liked how this turned out. The journaling around the edges is my addition to her page idea. I am really liking this class and it makes me think of scrapbooking in a whole other way - more of a creative endeavor rather than an obligation to get the pictures scrapbooked. Tonight at midnight begins the scrapbook fair on QVC. I'm sure my Q Card is going to get quite a workout during the next 12 hours. That's okay though because I haven't been spending money lately and feel that I can treat myself.

Well Larry and I did it - today we booked our trip to Ireland. It's a 10 day Irish Heritage tour that takes in many of the sites of Ireland. We are even going to the town where the last port of call for the Titantic took place. Being the lover of anything Titantic related, this makes me very happy. The kids are excited, especially Casey, who has been wanting to travel to Europe for quite some time. I am sure that there will be many pictures taken on this trip.

The cold and flu is going through our house now - yech! I am sort of longing for spring already which isn't usually a good sign. Most years it doesn't hit me until late in February. Guess I need to use my time creatively and enjoy the time stuck in the house.

Started reading the Purpose Driven Life book and it has definitely opened my mind to God and his purpose for me. This is what I have been needing. I am only on the 3rd day but so far I have realized that God has placed me on this earth for a reason. He is the reason I am here and I was put here for his goodness and to do what he has planned for me. Today, Day 3, the question is "What Drives Your Life?". I have been thinking about this and think that I am driven by both fear and resentment as well as the need for approval. Not that I fear failure but I do feel the need to please people in general. I also tend to harp on things in the past rather than getting over it and moving on. I tend to stew it over. I love this: "knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life." Now I only have to find my purpose!

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life." Proverbs 13:7

A Creative Start to the New Year

I am off and running for the new year in terms of my creativity. I signed up for the Donna Downey class at Big Picture Scrapbooking and I am being energized already. The first week assignment was to cover our SS planner. This was fun because we were to use a special piece of paper that we bought but haven't used yet. This was part of a Christina Cole slab but I liked that it sums up the year "Life Happens". I posted this on the BPS website and got an email from Donna praising it. As this was my first time putting any of my scrapbook work out there, it made me very happy. It sort of started the ball rolling. I am now working on the Week 2 project - a year in review type page.

I am also doing the DW 2006 Challenge as well. This uses the 2006 calendar to make daily pages. The challenge is to do 4 pages per month and post them on the 2Peas board. I have already done the January 1 challenge (year in review) and the January 2 challenge (fall ball). I have done the January 6 challenge but haven't scanned it in yet. This challenge is really helping me think outside the box. I love getting the comments under my post and hope to do more praising in the Peanut Gallery for other people.



I had set a goal for the year to be more active on the message boards and post work in the gallery and I'm happy to report that I am off to a good start. It's a nice creative outlet for me and so far I'm enjoying it immensely. The downside to all of this is that I spend way too much time lurking on the message board at 2Peas while at work and then I see all kinds of new products that I would like to have. Guess I have to keep working to keep scrapbooking. Oh well, it's a lot of fun for me and makes me feel good to know that I am recording my family history for future generations. My Mom would be so proud.

A New Year Again

I'm sitting here at work and thinking about a lot of things - mainly what this new year will bring. It's another year without my Mom and Dad (I miss you both so much). I feel that it is finally time to go through their papers and stuff that I got after you both passed away and decide what I really need to hold onto. Some of the stuff are snippets of your life and other things (like your address book) remind me of your abundance of friends. The important thing to keep is your memory alive in your grandchildren. They need to hear stories of my childhood and your childhoods in Steubenville, OH and Rumford, ME. Yesterday a mine collapsed in West Virginia and the first thing that came to mind was the stories told to me by my Mom about her father's working in the mines. It was and probably still is a very hard life. So in 2006, I will purge some of the things I have been holding onto and work hard to get the family stories written down and always keep those strong family memories alive.

In 2006, Casey will be going away to college. While it will be very hard to have her away, I envy the experiences she will have as she moves on to this next phase of her life. I hope the college she ends up at is one where she will have the opportunity to grow and experience life. In 2006, Greg will finish middle school and move on to high school. Where did the time go? My little boy is becoming a man and one that I am so proud of. Each day is a gift and I am making sure that I welcome each day and all the happiness and challenges it brings.

As for me, my creative juices where flowing yesterday as I started the D. Downey online class and completed the redecoration of my planner. I am pretty happy with it and will post it to the class site. I also did a page for the DW 2006 challenge that I really liked. I will have to add that here as well as posting at 2Peas. It felt good to sit down and just create. I hope to try new things out in 2006 and submit more often in the hope of someday getting a page published.

Finally, I intend to be in the everyday moment of life and enjoy it. Life is too short to waste on insignificant things.